Belt Bags have been a staple in the freedom of hands for generations! I am keeping the tradition alive.

Actually they are just super convenient! Soon, I will be taking a little trip down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and I wanted something to carry my essentials that I wouldn't have to bother with.

There are straps on the back that a belt slides through. I used colorful everglades cotton fabric of for the outside with button closures. (it was also my first time sewing buttonholes and it was pretty darn exciting!) And green bottomwieght fabric for the inside(right click and view image to view larger)

Step 1: Pick out your fabric, closures, and strapsYou can use pretty much any kind of fabric you like for this project. It works best if at least one of the fabrics is a heavier, more sturdy fabric, like bottomwieght or light canvas. For this tutorial I used a cotton solid for the lining and some heavy flannel for the outside. I used a vinyl type material for my straps but you can use anything that is strong and will provide a good hold.

Step 2: Cut your fabricYour lining and outside fabric pieces will be the same size. The chart below gives the approximate dimensions that I used for my bag. Adjust the measurements to scale if you want your bag to be bigger or smaller. For the straps on the back you will need 5 inches for each strap.

Step 3: Sew up both pieces of fabric into it's own little bagYou will want to sew both the lining and outside fabric into their own separate bags. In the image below fold your fabric, with the correct sides together, to match circle A to circle A so that your fabric is flush at the seam. Sew along that side. Fold fabric to match circle B to circle B so that the fabric is flush at the seam and sew.

Do the same on the other side. For the outside fabric sew all four sides together with no gaps (except for the top of course!). When sewing the lining, leave one circle A section open. This will be used later on for turning your bag right side out.

Step 4: Sew your pieces togetherPlace your two bags together will the right sides facing each other. Sew along all of the outside edges.

Step 5: Turn your bag right side outNow you can pull the bag right side out through the opening you left in your lining.

Step 6: Sew up your openingNeatly fold over the open section of your lining and sew it up. It's hardly noticeable if you use a matching thread.

Step 7: Sew on the strapsFold the edges of the straps over to hide the cut end and pin onto the back of your bag to find your placement. Make sure you leave enough space for your belt to easily slide through. Sew the straps on each side reinforcing it by sewing back over your stitches a few times. I make a box around going back a forth about three times or two separate lines.

Step 8 (Optional): Put on your closuresI used buttons and sewed buttons holes, but you can also use snaps or ties or whatever you like.

Step 9: Try on your bag and run around with your hands in the air!Well, what are you still doing here?

This is awesome! I've been looking to make a fanny pack/hip slinger type thing and this one is very nice. I live in New Orleans and Mardi Gras is right around the corner so it would be nice to make one of these so I can actually throw my arms up and actually catch some beads for change, without having to lug around my purse. Well done!!